Tab slitting and flap folding apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for severing the connecting tabs between edges of outwardly downturned closure flaps of a paperboard carton and for folding the flaps inwardly over the interior of the carton and sealing the same. The apparatus includes a conveyor to support and move the carton and a knife blade is located in the path of travel of one of the connecting tabs and acts to sever the tab. The case is then rotated 90*, and further advancement of the carton moves the second connecting tab into engagement with a second knife to sever that tab. Guide members are positioned above the conveyor and act to fold the end flaps upwardly over the interior of the carton, while other guide members hold the side flaps in a generally horizontal position so that an adhesive can be applied to the side flaps. Following the application of the adhesive, the carton moves through a pair of guide members which act to fold the side flaps downwardly over the interior of the carton. To accommodate cartons of different heights, the flap folding members and the adhesive applying unit are mounted on a vertically movable frame that can be manually elevated or lowered depending upon the height of the carton passing through the apparatus.

United States Patent [191 Pagdin et al.

[54] TAB SLITTING AND FLAP FOLDING APPARATUS [75] Inventors: William G. Pagdin, Milwaukee; Robert F. Risley, Wauwatosa; Wayne A. Smith, Shorewood, all of Wis.

[73] Assignee: Jos. Schlitz, Brewing Company, Milwaukee, Wis.

[22] Filed: May 18, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 144,611

9/1957 Palmer ..l98/33 AB Primary Examiner-Travis S. McGehee Attorney-Andrus, Sceales, Starke & Sawall Apr. 10, 1973 ABSTRACT An apparatus for severing the connecting tabs between edges of outwardly downtumed closure flaps of a paperboard carton and for folding the flaps inwardly over the interior of the carton and sealing the same. The apparatus includes a conveyor to support and move the carton and a knife blade is located in the path of travel of one of the connecting tabs and acts to sever the tab. The case is then rotated 90, and further advancement of the carton moves the second connecting tab into engagement with a second knife to sever that tab. Guide members are positioned above the conveyor and act to fold the end flaps upwardly over the interior of the carton, while other guide members hold the side flaps in a generally horizontal position so that an adhesive can be applied to the side flaps. Following the application of the adhesive, the carton moves through a pair of guide members which act to fold the side flaps downwardly over the interior of the carton. To accommodate cartons of different heights, the flap folding members and the adhesive applying unit are mounted on a vertically movable frame that can be manually elevated or lowered depending upon the height of the carton passing through the apparatus,

22 Claim, 17 Drawing Figures PATENTEUAFR 1 0191s sum 1 0F 4 INVENTORS WILLIAM G. PAGDIN ROBERT E RISLEY R WAYNE ASMITH Q BY:

ATTORNEYS PATENTEDAPR 1 01m tab/26.061

sum 2 0r 4 Fl] il in Eil ii in a l I) III j: Iil

58 INVENTORS WILLIAM G. PAGDiN ROBERT E RTSLEY BY WAYNE ASMITH 1 i ar 11.

ATTORNEYS PATENTEU R 1 01975 SHEET 3 OF 4 06 FIG. n

1N VENTORS WILLIAM G PAGDIN ROBERT F RISLEY BY WAYNE A SMITH ATTORNEYS PATENTED APR 1 (H975 sum u 0F 4 FIG. l5

INVENTORS WILLIAM G. PAGDIN ROBERT F RISLEY WAYNE A. SMITH ATTORNEYS TAB SLITTING AND FLAP FOLDING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Beverage bottles or other containers are often packaged in paperboard cartons or cases. To facilitate the filling of the carton with the bottles or other containers, the top closure flaps of the carton are held close to the sides and ends of the carton by means of connecting tabs or strips which integrally connect the edges of the outwardly downturned flaps. Generally, a pair of connecting tabs are utilized at diagonally opposite ends of the carton.

After the cartons are filled, it is necessary to sever the tabs so that the flaps can be folded inwardly over the interior of the carton. In the past, the operation of severing the connecting tabs and folding the flaps has been performed manually. In this operation, a workman would pull the flaps upwardly, causing the tabs to rip, and then fold the flaps inwardly over the interior of the carton.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention is directed to an apparatus for automatically severing the connecting tabs between the edges of outwardly downturned closure flaps of a paperboard carton and sealing the same. The cartons travel in an end-to-end relation along a conveyor and a knife-like slitter is located in the path of one of the connecting tabs. As the carton advances along the conveyor, the knife acts to sever the connecting tab.

Following the severing of one of the tabs, one of the leading corners of the carton rides up an incline and engages a stop. With the comer positioned against the stop, continued operation of the conveyor will pivot the carton 90 so that the longitudinal dimension of the carton is positioned transverse to to the direction of conveyor movement. Further advancement of the carton moves the second connecting tab into engagement with a second slitter, or knife, to sever the second connecting tab.

A pair of guide members are located above the conveyor and are positioned to engage and fold the severed end flaps upwardly over the interior of the carton. The inwardly turned down end flaps are held in the folded down position by a hold-down mechanism as the carton advances. A leading corner of the carton then rides up a second incline and against a stop, causing the carton to again pivot 90 so that its longitudinal dimension is parallel to the direction of travel of the conveyor, While the end flaps are held down over the interior of the container the side flaps are engaged by a pair of guide members which hold the side flaps in a generally horizontal position as the carton moves beneath an adhesive applying station. At this station an adhesive is applied to the outwardly extending side flaps, and following the application of the adhesive, the carton is engaged by a pair of curved wings which fold the side flaps upwardly and inwardly over the interior of the carton. With the flaps folded inwardly over the carton, the carton then passes into a compression unit where a downward force is applied against the closed flaps while the adhesive sets.

As the apparatus of the invention is frequently required to handle cartons of varying heights, a provi' sion is made to vary the height of the flap folding members and the adhesive applying unit. In this regard, the

flap folding members and the adhesive applying unit are mounted on a vertically moving frame which can be manually elevated or lowered depending on the height of the carton passing through the apparatus.

The apparatus of the invention automatically slits the connecting tabs on the downturned flaps of the carton, folds the flaps upwardly over the interior of the carton and seals the flaps in the closed position. The use of the apparatus substantially reduces the overall cost of performing these operations over the manual operations which were normally employed in the past.

The provision for adjusting the height of the flap folding members and the adhesive applying unit enables the apparatus to be changed over quickly from one height of carton to another and thereby substantially reduces the downtime of the machine.

The apparatus also substantially reduces the length of conveyor which is normally required for the operation of severing the flaps, folding the flaps and sealing the same.

The apparatus is a high speed unit which is capable of discharging 60 cases per minute and provides a more attractive and uniformly sealed carton.

Other objects and advantages will appear in the course of the following description.

The drawings illustrated the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a carton having side and end flaps secured in an outwardly downturned position by connecting tabs;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view showing the entry of upstream end of the apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a section taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a section taken along line 66 of FIG. 4 and showing the blade for cutting one of the connecting tabs on the carton;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary section showing the stop and incline plate for rotating the carton;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of the central section of the apparatus;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of another section of the apparatus;

FIG. 10 is a section taken along line 10-10 -f FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged transverse section showing the guide structure for the lifting arms;

FIG. 12 is a side elevation of the lifting structure for elevating the frame that carries the adhesive unit;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view show- DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED I EMBODIMENT The drawings illustrated an apparatus for severing the connecting tabs or strips between the edges of outwardly downtumed closure flaps of a paperboard carton or container and for folding the flaps inwardly over the interior of the carton and sealing the flaps in the closed position.

The container or carton 1 is adapted to contain beverage bottles, or other articles. The carton l including a pair of side walls 2, a pair of end walls 3 and a bottom wall 4 which connects the lower edges of the side walls and end walls. The open upper end of the carton, after being filled with the bottles or other articles, is adapted to be enclosed by a pair of side flaps 5 and 6 and end flaps 7 and 8 which are hinged to the upper edges of the respective side walls and end walls.

To facilitate filling of the carton l, the flaps 5-8 are normally held close to the sides and ends of the carton by means of connecting tabs or strips 9 and 10. The tab 9 is formed integrally with the flaps 5 and 7, while the tab 10 is located diametrically opposite tab 9 and connects flaps 6 and 8.

The apparatus includes a supporting frame 11, including a horizontal bed 12 having side flanges 13. Bed 12 is supported by a series of vertical legs or supports 14.

Three separate endless belt conveyors 15, 16 and 17 are mounted on the frame 11 and are all adapted to operate at different speeds. The belt conveyor 15, which is located at the entry end of the unit is carried by a drive roller 18 and an idler roller 19, the shafts of which are journalled in side members 13 of the frame 11. The second belt conveyor 16 is trained over a drive roller 20, and idler roller 21 and a pair of tensioning rollers 22 and 23, while the belt conveyor 17, located at the discharge end of the unit, is carried by a drive roller 24, an idler roller 25, and a pair of tensioning rollers 26 and 27. The rollers 20-27 are all carried on shafts which are journalled in side members 13 of the frame 11.

All three conveyors l5, l6 and 17 are driven at different speeds from a single motor and transmission unit, indicated by 28, which is mounted on the frame 11. The output shaft of the drive unit 28 carries a sprocket 29 which is connected by chain 30 to a sprocket 31 mounted on the end of the shaft of the drive roller 24. Thus, operation of the drive unit 28 will act through the chain drive 30 to drive the belt conveyor 17.

The belt 16 is driven from the belt 17 by a chain drive in which a sprocket 32 is mounted on the shaft of roller 25 and a chain 33 connects the sprocket 32 with the sprocket 34 on roller 20. The sprocket 32 has a substantially larger diameter and a corresponding greater number of teeth than the sprocket 34 so that the belt 16 will be driven at a speed approximately twice as fast as the speed of belt 17.

The belt is driven from the belt 16 by a chain drive including a sprocket 35 which is mounted on the shaft of roller 21 and is connected by chain 36 to a sprocket 37 mounted on the shaft of roller 18. The sprocket 37 has a substantially greater diameter than sprocket 35 so that the belt 15 will be driven at a speed approximately one-third of the speed of belt 16. The bed 12 is provided with gaps or spaces located above the rollers, 19, 18, 21, 20, 25 and 24, so that the belts, which travel on the bed, can pass around the rollers.

The cartons 1 are moved onto the belt conveyor 15 in an end-to-end relation with the tabs 9 of the cartons being located at the leading end of the carton. The belt 15 has a width less than one-half of the width of the bed 12 and the carton 1 is guided in movement on the belt 15 between one of the side flanges 13 and a guide plate 38 which is pivoted to frame 11 by pivot 39. A blade holder 40 is mounted on the vertical flange of guide plate 38 and extends upwardly at an inclined angle with respect to the guide. Mounted on the upper edge of the blade holder is a serrated blade or knife 41. As the carton 1 moves along the belt 15, vertical flange of plate 38 rides against the side wall 2 of the carton and the blade 41 passes between the side wall and the side flap 6 and acts to sever or cut the connecting tab 10 located at the trailing end of the carton 1.

The guide plate 38, which carries the tab cutting blade 41, is biased toward the carton by a spring 42 which is secured around a rod 43. One end of the rod is secured to the vertical flange of a bracket 44 mounted on guide plate 38, while the opposite end of the rod extends through an opening in the vertical flange of a bracket 45 secured to the bed 12. With this construction the force of the spring 42 will urge the guide plate 38 against the side wall 2 of the carton 1 moving along the conveyor 15.

Located ahead of the guide plate 38 in the direction of carton travel is a guide member consisting of a guide channel 46 and a series of rollers 47 are journalled on shafts 48 secured between the upper and lower flanges of the guide channel 46. The guide channel 46 is adjustably mounted with respect to the bed 12 of frame 11 by means of brackets 49 which are secured to the web of the guide channel. Each bracket 49 is provided with a slot 50 and a bolt 51 extends through each slot 50 and is threaded within an opening in the bed 12. The slotted connection provides a lateral adjustment for the channel 46 and guide rollers 47.

The side wall 2 of the carton 1 moving along belt conveyor 15 is adapted to ride against the rollers 47 and this acts to reduce the frictional resistance of the carton as the leading end of the carton rides up an incline for rotation, as will be hereinafter described.

As best shown in FIG. 4, the belt conveyor 15 is located along one side edge of the frame 11, while the belt conveyor 16 is located centrally of the frame. Because of this off-set relationship, the end of the roller 21 is provided with a built-up covering 52 so that the built-up end of the roller will be at approximately the same level as the belt conveyor 15.

In order to sever the remaining connecting tab 9, the carton is rotated on the belt 16. To provide this 90 rotation, an inclined plate 53 is mounted on the bed 12 adjacent one side flange l3 and a vertical stop or pipe 54 is positioned adjacent the high end of the inclined plate 53. As the carton 1 moves along the belt conveyor 16, the corner. of the carton will ride up the inclined plate 53 until it engages the stop 54. As the left front comer of the carton is elevated by virtue of the incline 53 the diametrically opposite corner, below the severed tab 10, will carry most of the weight of the carton and its contents. Continued movement of the belt conveyor 16 will pivot the carton 90 so that the long axis of the carton, as illustrated by the phantom lines in FIGS. 4 and 8, will be located transverse to the direction of travel of the belt 16.

A guide rail 55 is pivotally mounted on the bed 12 by pivot 56 and the end of guide rail 55 is curved, as indicated by 57. The guide rail 55 is urged laterally inward by spring 58 which is secured around a rod 59. The inner end of the rod is secured to the guide rail 55, while the outer end of the rod extends freely through an opening in the side flange 13 and carries a nut 60. As the carton is rotated 90, the corner of the carton will ride against the curved end 57 of guide rail 55, thereby pivoting the guide rail 55 outwardly against the force of the spring 58. The spring 58 will then urge the guide rail 55 into engagement with the end wall 3 of the carton as it moves along the belt conveyor 16.

-Located ahead in the direction of conveyor travel of the guide rail 55, is a spring loaded guide rail 61 and positioned opposite the guide rail 61 is a fixed guide rail 62. As best shown in FIG. 8, one end of the guide rail 61 is pivoted to the bed 12 by pivot 63 and the guide rail 61 is urged laterally inward toward the end wall 3 of the carton by a coil spring 64 which is mounted around a rod 65. One end of rod 65 is secured to the guide rail 61, while the opposite end of the rod extends freely through an opening in the side flange 13 of frame 11 and carries a nut 66.

Secured to the forward end of the guide rail 61 is a flap engaging member 67 which acts to engage the severed end flap 8 and pivot the flap 8 to a generally horizontal position. The member 67 includes an inclined edge 68 which is adapted to be received between the end flap 8 and the corresponding end wall 3 as the carton moves along the conveyor 16. The flap 8 rides along the tapered edge 68 thereby pivoting the flap to the horizontal position. As shown in FIG. 10, member 67 is provided with an outwardly bent end 69 and a reinforcing rod 70 extends between the bent end 69 and the body of the member. The upper edge of the bent end 69 is generally horizontal and serves to maintain the flap in the horizontal position.

The fixed guide rail 62 which is located opposite the spring loaded guide rail 61 carries a series of studs 71 which extend outwardly through openings in the side flange 13 and nuts 72 are secured to the threaded end of the studs 71, thereby adjustably mounting the guide rail 62 on the frame 11. The forward end of the guide rail 62 carries a blade holder 73 and a serrated blade 74, similar to blade 41, is mounted on the blade holder and extends upwardly at an inclined angle. Reinforcing bracket 75 is secured to the outer surface of the blade holder 73 and guide rail 62 by bolts 76, as best shown in FIG. 13.

As the carton approaches the blade 74, the long axis of the carton is disposed transverse to the direction of movement of the conveyor and the blade 74 is received between the end flap 7 and the corresponding end wall 3 of the carton. As the carton advances, the blade 74 acts to sever the tab 9 to thereby free the side flap 5 and end flap 7.

Located ahead of the blade 74 is an upwardly and outwardly extending wing 77 which is mounted on a vertical stud 78 connected to the bed 12. As the carton advances, the wing 77 engages the end flap 7 and pivots the end flap to a generally horizontal position.

Located laterally across from the blade holder 73 is a fixed guide 79 having a series of outwardly extending studs 80 that extend through openings in the side flange 13 of frame 11 and are secured to the flange by means of nuts 81. The rear end of the guide rail 79 is provided with a bend 82, the purpose of which will be described hereinafter.

When the carton l is moving between the guide rail 79 and the guide rail 62, the end flaps 7 and 8 are extending laterally outward in a generally horizontal position and the end flaps are pivoted upwardly to a closed position by curved guide rods 83 and 84, which are attached to the end of a horizontal plate 85. The guide rods 83 and 84 have complex curvatures and as the carton moves along the conveyor 16, the guide rod 83 serves to pivot the end flap 8 upwardly and inwardly to a partially closed position. The guide rod 84 operates in a similar manner on the end flap 7, pivoting the end flap from a generally horizontal position to a partially closed position.

The carton then passes beneath the horizontal plate 85 which serves to maintain the end flaps 7 and 8 in the partially closed position.

The plate 85, as well as the guide rods 83 and 84, are mounted on a frame 86 which is located above the conveyor frame 11. The frame 86 includes a pair of horizontal side channels 87 which. are connected at intervals throughout their length by a series of cross angles 88. As shown in FIG. 12, the plate 85 is supported beneath the frame 86 by a series of adjustable supports 89 which are connected to the cross members 88.

When the carton l is located beneath the plate 85, the long axis of the carton is disposed transversely to the direction of travel of the conveyor 16 and the end flaps 7 and 8 are held in the partially closed position by the plate 85 while the severed side flaps 5 and 6 extend downwardly and outwardly at an angle from the upper edge of the carton. The carton is then rotated 90 so that the long axis of the carton will again be in alignment with the direction of travel of the conveyor 16. The rotation is accomplished by means of an inclined plate 90 which is similar in structure and function to inclined plate 53. Plate 90 is located along the side edge of the frame 11 and a vertical pipe or stop 91 is positioned adjacent the edge of the inclined plate. As the carton 1 moves along the conveyor 16, the bent end 82 of the guide rail 79 urges the carton toward the opposite side flange 13 so that the end wall 3 of the carton will ride against the flange l3 and move up the incline v90 into engagement with the stop 91. In the manner previously described, the carton will then rotate 90 so that its long axis is parallel to the direction of travel of the belt conveyor 16.

As the carton 1 moves past the plate 85, the end flaps 7 and 8 will be retained in the partially closed position by flap holding strip 92 which is secured to the end of the plate 85 and extends generally centrally of the frame 1 1 to adjacent the discharge end of the conveyor 17.

After passing beyond the plate 85 the carton moves between a pair of spring loaded guide rails 93. Each of the guide rails 93 is pivotally connected to the bed 12 at a pivot 94. To urge each guide rail laterally inward, a coil spring 95 is mounted around a rod 96. One end of the rod is secured to the guide rail 93, while the opposite end of the rod extends through an opening in the flange l3 and carries a nut 97.

Located on the forward end of each guide rail 93 is a flap engaging member 98, which is similar in structure and function to the flap engaging member 67. Each member 98 is provided with an inclined edge 99, similar to edge 68, which is adapted to be received between the respective side flaps and 6 and the corresponding side walls 2. The side flaps, which are hanging loosely along the side wall 5, ride up the inclined edge 99 and are pivoted to a generally horizontal position. The forward end of each member 98 terminates in an outwardly bent portion 100 having a generally horizontal top edge which holds the side flaps 5 and 6 in the horizontal position.

While the side flaps 5 and 6 are held in the horizontal position, a liquid adhesive is applied to the upwardly facing surfaces of each side flap by adhesive applying units 101 which are carried by the frame 86.

Each adhesive applying unit 101 is carried from brackets 102 mounted on a pair of horizontal support rods 103 that extend across the frame 86. The ends of each pair of rods 103 are secured to a mounting bracket 104 that is adjustably attached to the side channels 87 of frame 86.

The adhesive applying units 101 in themselves form no part of the invention, and generally include a casing 105 and the adhesive is supplied to the casing through tubes 106 and is discharged downwardly onto the upwardly facing surfaces of the side flaps 5 and 6 through discharge nozzle 107, shown in FIG. 12.

While the adhesive is being applied to the side flaps 5 and 6, they are maintained in a horizontal position by engagement between a generally triangular horizontal plate 108 and the lower end 109 of a curved rod 110. The upper end of the rod 110 is secured to a block 111 mounted on a pair of the supports rods 103 and the end 109 of the rod terminates slightly above the end of the plate 108 so that the side flap will be received between the end 109 and the plate 108.

The end of each plate 108 is provided with a downwardly curved projection 112 which serves to deflect the side flap upwardly into the space between the plate 108 and the end 109 of rod 110. As the carton 1 moves along the conveyor 17 the side flaps 5 and 6 will pass between the plate 108 and the end 109 to thereby insure that the side flaps will be in a generally horizontal position as the adhesive is applied thereto.

The plate 108 is supported from the frame 86 by an adjustable vertical support 113, shown in FIG. 2, which is secured to the side channels 87 of the frame.

After application of the adhesive to the upwardly facing surfaces of the side flaps 5 and 6, the side flaps are pivoted inwardly to a closed position by a pair of curved wings 114. The wings 114 have a compound curvature and are generally plow-like in configuration. The open side flaps ride along the curved edge of the respective wings 114 which serve to pivot the side flaps upwardly and inwardly to the closed position.

The rear end of each wing 114 is urged downwardly attractive toward the belt conveyor 17 by a coil spring 116 which is mounted around a'threaded rod 117. The lower end of each rod is connected to the respective wing, while the upper end of the rod 117 extends through an opening in the horizontal flange of an angle 118 and a nut 119 is threaded on the upper end of the rod 117. Thus, the springs 116 urge the wings downwardly to insure that the side flaps 5 and 6 will be pivoted to the fully closed position.

To center the carton as it moves between the wings 114, centering guides 120 are attached to the ends of the plate 108 and extend toward the discharge end of the conveyor 17. As shown in FIG. 13, each of the center guides 120 extends inwardly at an angle toward the longitudinal center line of the conveyor 17 and acts to align the carton with the center line of the conveyor 17 as well as the wings 114.

After the side flaps 5 and 6 have been folded to the closed position by the wings 114, the carton passes through a compression section which acts to hold the flaps 5 and 6 in the closed position until the adhesive sets. The compression section includes an endless belt 121 which is trained over a series of spring-loaded idler rollers 122. The belt 121 is spaced above the conveyor 17 and is not driven, and as the carton 1 moves along the belt conveyor 17 it will drive the belt 121. The rollers 122 are urged downwardly to apply pressure to the folded flaps 5 and 6 on the carton l, by a construction best shown in FIG. 16. Each roller shaft is journalled within a bearing assembly 123 and the lower end of a vertical rod 124 is connected to each bearing assembly and extends upwardly through aligned openings in the flanges of a channel 125. A coil spring 126 is located around the rod 124 between the flanges of the channel member 125. Cotter pin 127 extends through an opening in the rod and the spring acts against the cotter pin to urge the rod 124 and roller 122 downwardly against the folded flaps of the carton 1. The pressure applied by the rollers 122 holds the flaps in the folded position while the adhesive sets to securely seal the flaps in the closed position.

As previously mentioned, the apparatus includes three separate belt conveyors 15, 16 and 17 which are driven at different speeds. The central belt conveyor 16 is driven at a substantially faster speed than the belt 15, with the result that the cartons moving onto the belt 16 will be spaced apart from their normal end-to-end relation to provide the cartons with sufficient room to be rotated 90. The belt 17 travels at a slower speed than the belt 16 and this reduction in speed is for the purpose of providing an adequate adhesive pattern on the upper surface of the side flaps S and 6.

Frequently cartons of different heights may be moved along the conveyor. For example, in some instances 12 ounce beer bottles will be packaged, while in other instances quart bottles will be packaged. The cartons containing the quart bottles will be approximately three inches higher than the cartons in which the 12 ounce bottles are packaged. To accommodate the variation in height of cartons, a mechanism is utilized to raise and lower the frame 86 with respect to the conveyor frame 11. The mechanism includes two pairs of arms 128 with a pair of the arms being located on each side of the conveyor frame 11. The lower end of each arm 128 is pivotally connected to shaft 129 which is journalled within the conveyor frame 11, while the upper ends of the arms 128 located along each side of the frame 86 are connected together by a tie-rod 130 so that the arms 128 along each side of the frame pivot in unison. Pivotally connected to the central portion of an arm 128 is a link 131 and the lower end of each link is pivotally connected by pin 132 to a lever 133. The end of the lever is pivoted to a shaft 134 which extends outwardly from the side flanges of frame 11. As the pin 132 is spaced from the shaft 134, the lever 133 functions as a bell crank and by rotating the lever 133 180 from the full-line position shown in FIG. 12 to the phantom position, the arms 128 will be pivoted upwardly to an elevated position, thereby elevating the guide members and adhesive units 101 carried by frame 86.

The pivotal movement of the arms 128 is transmitted to the frame 86 by means of rollers 135 that are journalled on the arms 128 and ride within horizontal tracks 136 secured to the outer surfaces of the side channels 87 and frame 86.

Frame 86 is guided vertically in movement by rollers 137 which are rotatably mounted on the side channels 87 and ride in a vertical track 138 defined by the supports 139 which extend upwardly from each side of the frame 11. See FIG. 2.

With this construction, pivotal movement of the arms 128 will cause the frame 86 to move vertically with respect to the frame 11. When the lever 133 is in the full-line position shown in FIG. 11, the frame 86 will be in the lower position and the flap holding members, as well as the adhesive applying units 101 will be in position to receive a carton of lesser height, such as a 12 ounce beer bottle carton. By pivoting the lever 133 180, the frame 86 will be moved to its upper position so that the unit will then accommodate cartons of greater height, such as cartons containing quart bottles.

The apparatus of the invention provides a device which automatically severs the connecting tabs on the downturned flaps of the paperboard carton and folds the end flaps inwardly to a closed position, while maintaining the side flaps in a horizontal position so that an adhesive can be applied to the upwardly facing surfaces of the side flaps. The unit then folds the side flaps inwardly to the closed position and maintains pressure on the folded flaps until the adhesive is set. The apparatus by providing all of these functions substantially reduces the overall cost of the packaging operation and provides a more uniform and attrative sealed package.

The apparatus can be readily converted for use to cartons of various heights by merely operating the lever 133 and without the need for separate adjustments in height of the various flap holding members or adhesive applying units.

In operation, the cartons having downturned flaps connected by the tabs 9 and move along the belt conveyor 15 in an end-to-end relation. As the leading carton moves onto the belt conveyor 16, which is travelling at a substantially greater speed than the conveyor 15, the carton will be moved ahead out of an endto-end relation with the following container.

The corner of the carton will then move up the inclined plate 53 and engage the stop 54, causing the carton to rotate 90, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The carton will then move along the belt conveyor 16 with the side walls 2 in a fore and aft direction with the tab 9 being located at the trailing end of the carton.

As the carton moves along conveyor 16, the severed end flap 8 will then be engaged by the flap engaging member 67 which pivots the flap 8 to a generally horizontal position. Continued movement of the carton on the belt 16 will cause the blade 74 to enter the space between the end flap 7 and the corresponding end wall 3 and thereby sever the connecting tab 9. The flap will then be pivoted to a generally horizontal position by the wing 77.

With both of the end flaps 7 and 8 in the horizontal position, and the side flaps 5 and 6 handing downwardly, the end flaps are engaged by the curved rods 83 and 84 which pivot the end flaps upwardly and inwardly to a closed position. The carton then moves under the plate 85 which holds the end flaps in the closed position while the side flaps 5 and 6 still hang loosely along the side walls 2.

Continued movement of the carton along the belt conveyor 16 will cause the side flaps 5 and 6 to be engaged by the flap engaging members 98 which pivot the side flaps 5 and 6 to a generally horizontal position. As the carton rides onto the belt conveyor 17, the horizontal side flaps 5 and 6 pass within the clearances between the ends 109 of the rods 110 and the plate 108, thereby holding the side flaps in the horizontal position while an adhesive is applied to the upwardly facing surfaces of the side flaps by the glue units 101.

After the adhesive is applied to the side flaps 5 and 6, the flaps ride against the curved edges of the wings 114 which serve to pivot the side flaps upwardly and inwardly to the closed position.

The carton with both the end flaps and side flaps in the closed position will then pass through the compres sion section where the rollers 122 exert a downward force on the closed fiaps while the adhesive is setting to insure a positive bond between the flaps.

The apparatus of the invention is a high speed unit which automatically slits the connecting tabs on the downturned flaps of the carton, folds the flaps upwardly over the interior of the carton and seals the flaps in the closed position.

Various modes of carrying out the invention are comtemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.

We claim:

1. An apparatus for severing the connecting tabs on downturned flaps of an opentop, generally rectangular container, said container having a pair of opposed first walls and a pair of opposed second walls and a bottom wall connecting the lower edges of the first and second walls, said container having a pair of first flaps hinged to the upper edges of the respective first walls and having a pair of second flaps hinged to the upper edges of the respective second walls, said connecting tabs being located at the opposite vertical comers of the container and connecting the adjacent edges of the respective first and second flaps, said apparatus comprising conveyor means to convey the container in a path of travel in which the first walls of the container are located in a fore and aft direction with respect to the direction of travel of said conveyor means and one of said tabs is located at the leading end of the container and the second tab is connected at the trailing end of the container, first tab cutting means disposed adjacent a side of said conveyor means and disposed to ride between one of said downturned second flaps and the corresponding second wall of the container to sever the second connecting tab, rotating means located ahead of said first tab cutting means in the direction of travel of said conveyor means for rotating the container so that said second walls are positioned in a fore and aft direction with respect to the direction of travel of said conveyor means and said first tab is located at the trailing end of the container, said rotating means includes an incline member located along a side of the conveyor means, said incline member being inclined upwardly in the direction of travel of said conveyor means, and said rotating means also includes stop means positioned adjacent an elevated portion of the incline member, a leading corner of said container adapted to ride up said incline member and engage said stop means whereby continued movement of said conveyor means rotates said container 90, and second tab cutting means located adjacent a side of said conveyor means and disposed to ride between a downturned first fiap and a corresponding first wall of the container to sever said first connecting tab.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said conveyor means comprises a belt conveyor and said incline member is located adjacent a side edge of the belt with the elevated portion of said incline member extending to a level above the level of said belt conveyor.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said stop means is provided with a generally curved surface to be engaged by the corner of the container.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, and including a pair of spaced guide members located above said conveyor means for guiding the container for movement on said conveyor means, said first tab cutting means being located above one of said guide members.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said first tab cutting means includes a blade extending upwardly at an angle to the horizontal.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, and including guide means extending between the first tab cutting means and said first rotating means for guiding said container on said conveyor means.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said guide means includes a series of rollers journalled about vertical axes and disposed to ride against a second wall of the container.

8. An apparatus for severing the connecting tabs on downturned flaps of an open-top generally rectangular container, said container having a pair of opposed first walls and a pair of opposed second walls and a bottom wall connecting the lower edges of the first and second walls, said container having a pair of first flaps hinged to the upper edges of the respective first walls and having a pair of second flaps hinged to the upper edges of the respective second walls, said connecting tabs being located at the opposite vertical corners of the container and connecting the adjacent edges of the respective first and second flaps, said apparatus comprising conveyor means to convey said container in a path of travel wherein said first walls are located in a fore and aft direction with respect to movement of said conveyor means and one of said tabs is located at the leading end of the container and the second tab is located at the trailing end of the container, a pair of spaced guide members located above the conveyor means to guide said container in movement on said conveyor means, first tab cutting means located adjacent one of said spaced guide members and disposed to ride between a downturned second flap and the corresponding second wall of the container to sever said second tab, first rotating means located adjacent the opposite guide member and including an abutment to be engaged by a leading corner of the container to thereby rotate the container on said conveyor means to a position wherein said second walls are positioned in a fore and aft direction and said first tab is located at the trailing end of the container, second tab cutting means located adjacent said opposite guide member and disposed to ride between a downturned first flap and the corresponding first wall of the container to sever said first tab, and second rotating means for rotating said container 90 on said conveyor member so that said first walls are again located in a fore and aft direction.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, and including means located downstream in the direction of movement of said conveyor means from said second rotating means for folding said first and second flaps upwardly and inwardly to a closed position to enclose the open top of said container.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said conveyor means includes a first endless conveyor and a second endless conveyor disposed in end-to-end relation, said second conveyor being located downstream of said first conveyor in the direction of movement of said conveyor means and disposed to operate at a substantially faster speed than said first conveyor, said first tab cutting means being located adjacent said first conveyor and said first rotating means being located adjacent said second conveyor.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said first rotating means includes an inclined plate, said plate being inclined upwardly in a downstream direction, said rotating means also including an abutment disposed adjacent a high portion of said inclined plate and disposed to be engaged by a leading comer of the container to thereby rotate the container 90.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, and including drive means interconnecting said first and second conveyors whereby movement of one of said conveyors is transmitted to the other, said drive means including means for operating said second conveyor at a faster rate of speed than said first conveyor.

13. The apparatus of claim 8, and including first flap folding means located downstream in the direction of movement of said conveyor means from said second rotating means for folding said first flaps upwardly and inwardly to a closed position, second flap folding means located downstream of said first flap folding means for pivoting said second flaps to an outwardly extending generally horizontal position, adhesive applying means located downstream of said second fiap folding means for applying an adhesive to the upwardly facing surfaces of said outwardly extending second flaps, and third flap folding means located downstream of said adhesive means for folding said second flaps inwardly to the closed position.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, and including pressure means located downstream of said third flap folding means for applying pressure to said folded flap to insure bonding of said flaps.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said pressure means includes an endless belt disposed to ride against the folded second flaps, and biasing means for urging the belt downwardly against said second flaps.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said biasing means includes a series of spring loaded rollers which support the belt, said rollers being biased downwardly toward said conveyor means.

17. The apparatus of claim 13, and including flap holding means located downstream of second flap folding means for holding the second flaps in the horizontal position.

18. An apparatus for severing the connecting tabs on downturned flaps of an open-top, generally rectangular container, said container having a pair of opposed first walls and a pair of opposed second walls and a bottom wall connecting the lower edges of the first and second walls, said container having a pair of first flaps hinged to the upper edges of the respective first walls and having a pair of second flaps hinged to the upper edges of the respective second walls, said connecting tabs being located at the opposite vertical corners of the container and connecting the adjacent edges of the respective first and second flaps, said apparatus comprising conveyor means to convey said container in a path of travel wherein said first walls are located in a fore and aft direction with respect to movement of said conveyor means and one of said tabs is located at the leading end of the container and the second tab is located at the trailing end of the container, a pair of spaced guide members located above the conveyor means to guide said container in movement on said conveyor means, first tab cutting means located adjacent one of said spaced guide members and disposed to ride between a downturned second flap and the corresponding second wall of the container to sever said second tab, first rotating means located adjacent the opposite guide member and including an abutment to be engaged by a leading corner of the container to thereby rotate the container 90 on said conveyor means to a position wherein said second walls are positioned in a fore and aft direction and said first tab is located at the trailing end of the container, second tab cutting means located adjacent said opposite guide member and disposed to ride between a downturned first flap and the corresponding first wall of the container to sever said first tab, first flap folding means located downstream in the direction of movement of said conveyor means from second rotating means for folding said first flaps upwardly and inwardly to a closed position over the open top of the container, second flap folding means located downstream of said first flap folding means for folding the second flaps to an outwardly extending generally horizontal position, adhesive means for applying a coating of adhesive to the upwardly facing surfaces of said outwardly extending second flaps, and third flap folding means located downstream of said adhesive means for folding said second flaps inwardly to a closed position over the top of the container.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, and including a frame located above said conveyor means, means for mounting the frame for vertical movement with respect to said conveyor means, said first flap folding means, said second flap folding means, said third flap folding means and said adhesive means being supported by said frame, and means for selectively raising and lowering the frame with respect to said conveyor means.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said means for raising and lowering comprises a plurality of arms pivotally interconnecting said conveyor means and said frame, and lever means pivotally connected to said arms for pivoting said arms to thereby move the frame vertically with respect to said conveyor means.

21. An apparatus for severing the connecting tabs on downturned flaps of an open-top, generally rectangular container, said container having a pair of opposed first walls and a pair of opposed second walls and a bottom wall connecting the lower edges of thefirst and second walls, said container having a pair of first flaps hinged to the upper edges of the respective first walls and having a pair of second flaps hinged to the upper edges of the respective second walls, said connecting tabs being located at the opposite vertical corners of the container and connecting the adjacent edges of the respective first and second flaps, said apparatus comprising conveyor means to convey the container in a path of travel in which the first walls of the container are located in a fore and aft direction with respect to the direction of travel of said conveyor means and one of said tabs is located at the leading end of the container and the second tab is connected at the trailing end of the container, first tab cutting means disposed adjacent a side of said conveyor means and disposed to ride between one of said downturned second flaps and the corresponding second wall of the container to sever the second connecting tab, rotating means located ahead of said first tab cutting means in the direction of travel of said conveyor means for rotating the container so that said second walls are positioned in a fore and aft direction with respect to the direction of travel of said conveyor means and said first tab is located at the trailing end of the container, second tab cutting means located adjacent a side of said conveyor means and disposed to ride between a downturned first flap and a corresponding first wall of the container to sever said first connecting tab, and second rotating means associated with said conveyor means and located ahead of said second tab cutting means in the direction of travel of said conveyor means, said second rotating means acting to rotate said container 90 on said conveyor means so that said first walls are again located in a fore and aft direction with respect to travel of said conveyor means.

22. An apparatus for severing the connecting tabs on downturned flaps of an open-top, generally rectangular container, said container having a pair of opposed first walls and a pair of opposed second walls and a bottom wall connecting the lower edges of the first and second walls, said container having a pair of first flaps hinged to the upper edges of the respective first walls and having a pair of second flaps hinged to the upper edges of the respective second walls, said connecting tabs being located at the opposite vertical corners of the container and connecting the adjacent edges of the respective first and second flaps, said apparatus comprising conveyor means to convey the container in a path of travel in which the first walls of the container are located in a fore and aft direction with respect to the direction of travel of said conveyor means and one of said tabs is located at the leading end of the container and the second tab is connected at the trailing end of the container, first tab cutting means disposed adjacent a side of said conveyor means and disposed to ride between one of said downturned second! flaps and the cor disposed to ride between a downturned first flap and a corresponding first wall of the container to sever said first connecting tab, said first tab cutting means includes a blade and a blade holder to support the blade, said first tab cutting means also includes means for urging said blade holder laterally inward toward the container. 

1. An apparatus for severing the connecting tabs on downturned flaps of an open-top, generally rectangular container, said container having a pair of opposed first walls and a pair of opposed second walls and a bottom wall connecting the lower edges of the first and second walls, said container having a pair of first flaps hinged to the upper edges of the respective first walls and having a pair of second flaps hinged to the upper edges of the respective second walls, said connecting tabs being located at the opposite vertical corners of the container and connecting the adjacent edges of the respective first and second flaps, said apparatus comprising conveyor means to convey the container in a path of travel in which the first walls of the container are located in a fore and aft direction with respect to the direction of travel of said conveyor means and one of said tabs is located at the leading end of the container and the second tab is connected at the trailing end of the container, first tab cutting means disposed adjacent a side of said conveyor means and disposed to ride between one of said downturned second flaps and the corresponding second wall of the container to sever the second connecting tab, rotating means located ahead of said first tab cutting means in the direction of travel of said conveyor means for rotating the container 90* so that said second walls are positioned in a fore and aft direction with respect to the direction of travel of said conveyor means and said first tab is located at the trailing end of the container, said rotating means includes an incline member located along a side of the conveyor means, said incline member being inclined upwardly in the direction of travel of said conveyor means, and said rotating means also includes stop means positioned adjacent an elevated portion of the incline member, a leading corner of said container adapted to ride up said incline mEmber and engage said stop means whereby continued movement of said conveyor means rotates said container 90*, and second tab cutting means located adjacent a side of said conveyor means and disposed to ride between a downturned first flap and a corresponding first wall of the container to sever said first connecting tab.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said conveyor means comprises a belt conveyor and said incline member is located adjacent a side edge of the belt with the elevated portion of said incline member extending to a level above the level of said belt conveyor.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said stop means is provided with a generally curved surface to be engaged by the corner of the container.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, and including a pair of spaced guide members located above said conveyor means for guiding the container for movement on said conveyor means, said first tab cutting means being located above one of said guide members.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said first tab cutting means includes a blade extending upwardly at an angle to the horizontal.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, and including guide means extending between the first tab cutting means and said first rotating means for guiding said container on said conveyor means.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said guide means includes a series of rollers journalled about vertical axes and disposed to ride against a second wall of the container.
 8. An apparatus for severing the connecting tabs on downturned flaps of an open-top generally rectangular container, said container having a pair of opposed first walls and a pair of opposed second walls and a bottom wall connecting the lower edges of the first and second walls, said container having a pair of first flaps hinged to the upper edges of the respective first walls and having a pair of second flaps hinged to the upper edges of the respective second walls, said connecting tabs being located at the opposite vertical corners of the container and connecting the adjacent edges of the respective first and second flaps, said apparatus comprising conveyor means to convey said container in a path of travel wherein said first walls are located in a fore and aft direction with respect to movement of said conveyor means and one of said tabs is located at the leading end of the container and the second tab is located at the trailing end of the container, a pair of spaced guide members located above the conveyor means to guide said container in movement on said conveyor means, first tab cutting means located adjacent one of said spaced guide members and disposed to ride between a downturned second flap and the corresponding second wall of the container to sever said second tab, first rotating means located adjacent the opposite guide member and including an abutment to be engaged by a leading corner of the container to thereby rotate the container 90* on said conveyor means to a position wherein said second walls are positioned in a fore and aft direction and said first tab is located at the trailing end of the container, second tab cutting means located adjacent said opposite guide member and disposed to ride between a downturned first flap and the corresponding first wall of the container to sever said first tab, and second rotating means for rotating said container 90* on said conveyor member so that said first walls are again located in a fore and aft direction.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, and including means located downstream in the direction of movement of said conveyor means from said second rotating means for folding said first and second flaps upwardly and inwardly to a closed position to enclose the open top of said container.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said conveyor means includes a first endless conveyor and a second endless conveyor disposed in end-to-end relation, said second conveyor being located downstream of said first conveyor in the direction of movemeNt of said conveyor means and disposed to operate at a substantially faster speed than said first conveyor, said first tab cutting means being located adjacent said first conveyor and said first rotating means being located adjacent said second conveyor.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said first rotating means includes an inclined plate, said plate being inclined upwardly in a downstream direction, said rotating means also including an abutment disposed adjacent a high portion of said inclined plate and disposed to be engaged by a leading corner of the container to thereby rotate the container 90*.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, and including drive means interconnecting said first and second conveyors whereby movement of one of said conveyors is transmitted to the other, said drive means including means for operating said second conveyor at a faster rate of speed than said first conveyor.
 13. The apparatus of claim 8, and including first flap folding means located downstream in the direction of movement of said conveyor means from said second rotating means for folding said first flaps upwardly and inwardly to a closed position, second flap folding means located downstream of said first flap folding means for pivoting said second flaps to an outwardly extending generally horizontal position, adhesive applying means located downstream of said second flap folding means for applying an adhesive to the upwardly facing surfaces of said outwardly extending second flaps, and third flap folding means located downstream of said adhesive means for folding said second flaps inwardly to the closed position.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, and including pressure means located downstream of said third flap folding means for applying pressure to said folded flap to insure bonding of said flaps.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said pressure means includes an endless belt disposed to ride against the folded second flaps, and biasing means for urging the belt downwardly against said second flaps.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said biasing means includes a series of spring loaded rollers which support the belt, said rollers being biased downwardly toward said conveyor means.
 17. The apparatus of claim 13, and including flap holding means located downstream of second flap folding means for holding the second flaps in the horizontal position.
 18. An apparatus for severing the connecting tabs on downturned flaps of an open-top, generally rectangular container, said container having a pair of opposed first walls and a pair of opposed second walls and a bottom wall connecting the lower edges of the first and second walls, said container having a pair of first flaps hinged to the upper edges of the respective first walls and having a pair of second flaps hinged to the upper edges of the respective second walls, said connecting tabs being located at the opposite vertical corners of the container and connecting the adjacent edges of the respective first and second flaps, said apparatus comprising conveyor means to convey said container in a path of travel wherein said first walls are located in a fore and aft direction with respect to movement of said conveyor means and one of said tabs is located at the leading end of the container and the second tab is located at the trailing end of the container, a pair of spaced guide members located above the conveyor means to guide said container in movement on said conveyor means, first tab cutting means located adjacent one of said spaced guide members and disposed to ride between a downturned second flap and the corresponding second wall of the container to sever said second tab, first rotating means located adjacent the opposite guide member and including an abutment to be engaged by a leading corner of the container to thereby rotate the container 90* on said conveyor means to a position wherein said second walls are positioned in a fore and aft direction and said first tab is located at the trailing end of the container, second tab cutting means located adjacent said opposite guide member and disposed to ride between a downturned first flap and the corresponding first wall of the container to sever said first tab, first flap folding means located downstream in the direction of movement of said conveyor means from second rotating means for folding said first flaps upwardly and inwardly to a closed position over the open top of the container, second flap folding means located downstream of said first flap folding means for folding the second flaps to an outwardly extending generally horizontal position, adhesive means for applying a coating of adhesive to the upwardly facing surfaces of said outwardly extending second flaps, and third flap folding means located downstream of said adhesive means for folding said second flaps inwardly to a closed position over the top of the container.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, and including a frame located above said conveyor means, means for mounting the frame for vertical movement with respect to said conveyor means, said first flap folding means, said second flap folding means, said third flap folding means and said adhesive means being supported by said frame, and means for selectively raising and lowering the frame with respect to said conveyor means.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said means for raising and lowering comprises a plurality of arms pivotally interconnecting said conveyor means and said frame, and lever means pivotally connected to said arms for pivoting said arms to thereby move the frame vertically with respect to said conveyor means.
 21. An apparatus for severing the connecting tabs on downturned flaps of an open-top, generally rectangular container, said container having a pair of opposed first walls and a pair of opposed second walls and a bottom wall connecting the lower edges of the first and second walls, said container having a pair of first flaps hinged to the upper edges of the respective first walls and having a pair of second flaps hinged to the upper edges of the respective second walls, said connecting tabs being located at the opposite vertical corners of the container and connecting the adjacent edges of the respective first and second flaps, said apparatus comprising conveyor means to convey the container in a path of travel in which the first walls of the container are located in a fore and aft direction with respect to the direction of travel of said conveyor means and one of said tabs is located at the leading end of the container and the second tab is connected at the trailing end of the container, first tab cutting means disposed adjacent a side of said conveyor means and disposed to ride between one of said downturned second flaps and the corresponding second wall of the container to sever the second connecting tab, rotating means located ahead of said first tab cutting means in the direction of travel of said conveyor means for rotating the container 90* so that said second walls are positioned in a fore and aft direction with respect to the direction of travel of said conveyor means and said first tab is located at the trailing end of the container, second tab cutting means located adjacent a side of said conveyor means and disposed to ride between a downturned first flap and a corresponding first wall of the container to sever said first connecting tab, and second rotating means associated with said conveyor means and located ahead of said second tab cutting means in the direction of travel of said conveyor means, said second rotating means acting to rotate said container 90* on said conveyor means so that said first walls are again located in a fore and aft direction with respect to travel of said conveyor means.
 22. An apparatus for severing the connecting tabs on downturned flaps of an open-top, generally rectangular container, said container having a pair of opposed first walls and a pair of opposed second walls and a bottom wall connecting thE lower edges of the first and second walls, said container having a pair of first flaps hinged to the upper edges of the respective first walls and having a pair of second flaps hinged to the upper edges of the respective second walls, said connecting tabs being located at the opposite vertical corners of the container and connecting the adjacent edges of the respective first and second flaps, said apparatus comprising conveyor means to convey the container in a path of travel in which the first walls of the container are located in a fore and aft direction with respect to the direction of travel of said conveyor means and one of said tabs is located at the leading end of the container and the second tab is connected at the trailing end of the container, first tab cutting means disposed adjacent a side of said conveyor means and disposed to ride between one of said downturned second flaps and the corresponding second wall of the container to sever the second connecting tab, rotating means located ahead of said first tab cutting means in the direction of travel of said conveyor means for rotating the container 90* so that said second walls are positioned in a fore and aft direction with respect to the direction of travel of said conveyor means and said first tab is located at the trailing end of the container, and second tab cutting means located adjacent a side of said conveyor means and disposed to ride between a downturned first flap and a corresponding first wall of the container to sever said first connecting tab, said first tab cutting means includes a blade and a blade holder to support the blade, said first tab cutting means also includes means for urging said blade holder laterally inward toward the container. 